Torres signed a one-year, $2.7 million contract to avoid arbitration last winter. He is eligible for arbitration for the final time this winter.

Torres hit .230 with a .327 OBP with three home runs and 35 RBI in 132 games in 2012. He missed a month with a strained calf to start the year, and hit only .195 with 58 strikeouts in 226 at-bats against right-handed pitching.

Matthew Cerrone, Lead Writer

H’e s a great guy, no question, but he’s just not that good at baseball any more. Torres will likely end up earning $3 million in 2013, which is actually a pretty fair price for what he can do as a fourth outfielder capable of playing center field. The argument in favor of keeping him would be he’s a major league outfielder on a team that needs major league outfielders. But, as I said, he’s just not that good. Plus, the Mets have internal, younger players who could play this role for less money (Kirk Nieuwenhuis). So, since there is little chance he bounces back at 35 years old (after having two consecutive down seasons), I would non tender him and move on, assuming I can eventually get someone for less (with the potential for more upside).